Much of Spring Creek, which forms the boundary between Harris and Montgomery counties, flows through relatively undeveloped areas. Most of the land draining into Spring Creek lies in Montgomery County, although the maps show only the Harris County portion.

Related Stories

Will Meyer, the flood control district's project manager for the new maps, said the most significant change in Spring Creek's flood plain boundaries is around Tomball, where flood control projects in the 1990s contributed to a significant reduction in the size of the flood plain.

Since March 8, the district has released new maps for nine watersheds: Brays Bayou, Buffalo Bayou, Carpenters Bayou, Jackson Bayou, Luce Bayou, the San Jacinto River, Sims Bayou, Spring Creek and Goose Creek. Maps of the remaining 13 watersheds will be released as work is completed.

Houston and Harris County officials intend to use the new maps to enforce flood-related development regulations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's versions of the maps, expected to be released in late May, will determine flood insurance rates.